Hallbergmoos, October 2016 – Black Box, the specialist in industrial process monitoring and HMI applications, will attend the SPS IPC Drives (22-24.11.2016 in Nuremberg) to show how the future of IT infrastructures for industrial signal distribution, extension and switching can be implemented today. In industrial environments, particularly in control centres, the topics of 4K and virtual desktop infrastructures are gaining more and more importance. The Black Box stand (2-430) will present the latest solutions in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and latency-free high-performance KVM, along with products for actual signal pathways (cable) and network components such as industrial switches and media converters.

The spatial separation of work and computers is especially useful in the industrial environment. The state-of-the-art KVM technology by Black Box means that computers, servers and industrial controls can be placed in protected and air-conditioned rooms, which significantly increases their service life and safety. At the same time, it can be used to optimise processes, thus achieving redundancy. In the event of an error, users can simply switch from their primary PC to a secondary PC, meaning that production can continue without any problems. But KVM doesn’t just play a direct part in manufacturing plants, but also has a decisive role in the Control Centre. With 4Site Flex, four computers or video sources can be controlled and watched from one monitor (4-to-1 KVM) - all in real time! With four display options, resolutions of up to 1920x1200 and transparent USB 2.0, all processes stay under control. The ServSwitch TC provides easy and effective control thanks to the Glide and Switch function: this is used to switch between the different computer systems by simply dragging the mouse pointer from one monitor to the other. The ControlBridge also contains a simple, intuitive control: the control system acts as a central integration point of the linked infrastructure which is controlled using a touchscreen. This makes operation considerably easier, meaning users can concentrate on their tasks rather than on figuring out complex technology.

The DCX series, tried and tested even in harsh industrial environments, was recently expanded to include a 10-port device. The powerful digital cross rail provides a fast, secure and cost-effective switching of HD videos, audio and USB signals in all types, transmitting all video content within any compression or delay. The redundant power supply ensures a high level of reliability.

Black Box at IBC 2016

Computers are becoming increasingly virtualised in manufacturing and production plants as well. This is where InvisaPC bridges the gap between classic KVM and virtual machines. The compact device not only allows DVI, USB HID, USB 2.0 and audio to be extended and switched, but also allows virtual machines to be controlled with RDP 7.1/8 remote FX. The IP-based system requires only a low bandwidth of up to 35Mbps to transmit HD moving images (1080p).

Black Box meets the trend towards 4K with the new 4K60 module for the tried-and-tested DKM system computer, which is widely used in the industry.The modular construction means that only the corresponding new card has to be installed or expanded. This means that users can benefit from the state-of-the-art technology without the need to replace the entire device. The DKM system enables flexible, immediate matrix switching and not only allows easy control channel extension of a range of video formats, but also allows any cross rail set-ups desired, whether a single user wants to switch 287 computers or 50 employers need access to as many as 238 computers. This enables a spatial separation of up to 140 metres (via CATx) or 10 km (via fibre optic cables) between the workplace and computer/server. In addition, redundant power supplies that can be exchanged in operation guarantee a high availability, meaning that the device is especially suitable for critical operating scenarios such as production. A signal extension over 300 metres (1080p) or 40 metres (4K UHD) via a standard multimode cable allows for a new 4K extender that is only the size of a matchbox. This exceedingly compact device enhances resolution to as much as 4K UHD (3840x2160) and, in addition to supporting USB HID, also supports transparent USB 1.1 for touchscreen or KVM applications.

Along with high-performance KVM switches and extenders, Black Box presents cables and network components for use in harsh environments. The hard-wearing INDRy II Ethernet switches are available in two types: the managed version (INDRy II L) is equipped with ten 10/100/1000 Mbps copper ports (RJ-45), while four further multirate SFP connections provide glass fibre uplinks. The high-performance features and the comprehensive management of the INDRy II L offer all the advanced filters and multicast algorithms required to prioritise, partition and organise a highly available, fast network. The smaller, unmanaged type (INDRy II S) is especially designed for common industrial applications that do not require a complex set-up. Four 10/100/1000 Mbps copper ports and a flexible multirate SFP connection are available. Alternatively, the tempered INDRY switches are also available with power via Ethernet Plus to supply remote PoE devices such as surveillance cameras or access points.

About Black Box:

Black Box (NASDAQ: BBOX) is one of the largest providers of KVM, AV, network and infrastructure solutions in the world. In these sectors, as well as with services in the telecommunications industry, the company supports over 175,000 customers in 33 countries with 89 branches. With the European Tech Support Centre, in which around 50 experienced technical employees are solely responsible for providing competent technical advice, Black Box offers a unique service programme both internationally and on site. At the same time, Black Box combines products from an extensive portfolio with over 10,000 IT products and knowledge of current technologies and trends to individual solutions, which have been optimally tailored to benefit the customer.

The headquarters of the parent company, Black Box Corporation, is in Pittsburgh, USA. Globally, the company employs around 3800 employees. Its clientele includes small and medium-sized companies, as well as major enterprises from different sectors such as industry, telecommunications, radio, transport, health and public administration, as well as banks and insurance.